CHICAGO — The Department of Education on Monday named more than 350 schools around the country as National Blue Ribbon Schools, including 18 in Illinois.
Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is a prestigious recognition highlighting schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
Of the 18 Illinois schools named Monday, 15 are in Chicagoland. The Illinois schools named as National Blue Ribbon Schools were:
- Illinois – Arlington Heights – John Hersey High School, Township HSD 214.
- Illinois – Arlington Heights – St. Viator High School, Archdiocese of Chicago.
- Illinois – Chicago – Hawthorne Elementary Scholastic Academy, City of Chicago SD 299.
- Illinois – Chicago – St Josaphat School, Archdiocese of Chicago.
- Illinois – Dunlap – Dunlap Middle School, Dunlap CUSD 323.
- Illinois – Elmhurst – Jefferson Elementary School, Elmhurst SD 205.
- Illinois – Frankfort – Hickory Creek Middle School, Frankfort CCSD 157C.
- Illinois – Geneva – Heartland Elementary School, Geneva CUSD 304.
- Illinois – Green Oaks – Oak Grove School, Oak Grove SD 68.
- Illinois – Hawthorn Woods – Lake Zurich Middle School – N Campus, Lake Zurich CUSD 95.
- Illinois – Hickory Hills – H. H. Conrady Junior High School, North Palos SD 117.
- Illinois – Lake Zurich – Lake Zurich High School, Lake Zurich CUSD 95.
- Illinois – Maryville – Maryville Elementary School, Collinsville CUSD 10.
- Illinois – Mascoutah – Mascoutah Elementary School, Mascoutah CUSD 19.
- Illinois – Naperville – Naperville Central High School, Naperville CUSD 203.
- Illinois – Naperville – Neuqua Valley High School, Indian Prairie CUSD 204.
- Illinois – Naperville – Scott Elementary School, Naperville CUSD 203.
- Illinois – Palos Heights – Palos East Elementary School, Palos CCSD 118.
“The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities,” education secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement. “As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
Honored schools will receive a flag to display in the school’s entryway or atop a flagpole.
The National Blue Ribbon School program began in 1982. Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year.